Transportation & Compliance Manager

SUMMARY

The Transportation &Trade Compliance Manager will support the Supply Chain team by overseeing the logistics operations on a regional scale, ensuring efficient delivery of goods while managing costs and maintaining high customer satisfaction.  This role is responsible for managing compliance for domestic and international shipments including relevant tax and customs regulations. With guidance from the Supply Chain Director, this role will review and develop strategies for optimal transportation network footprint focusing on a balance of cost and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Oversees transportation operations for the region.
• Ensure compliance with regulations related to customs compliance, transportation safety, and environmental standards.
• Negotiate contracts with domestic transportation vendors and service providers.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Regional Supply Chain teams as well as operations, commercial sales, finance and customer service.
• Analyze data and metrics to assess carrier performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes.
• Maintain import/export parts master data to ensure compliance with classification, valuation, and other regionally specific trade regulations.
• Ensure on‑time delivery performance while balancing service levels and cost efficiency.
• Monitor shipment execution and proactively resolve delays, service failures, OS&D issues, and other logistical challenges.

Carrier & Transportation Management 

• Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with third‑party carriers and logistics service providers.
• Develop performance KPIs and scorecards; addressing service gaps and corrective actions as needed.
• Develop, implement, and maintain routing guides, carrier compliance standards, and transportation policies.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of multi‑modal transportation, including LTL, FTL, LCL, and FCL.

Cost Control, Analytics & Budgeting

• Develop and manage transportation budgets in alignment with business objectives.
• Analyze transportation data to identify cost drivers, efficiency opportunities, and service risks.
• Review, audit, and approve freight invoices for accuracy; manage freight claims and negotiate rates with carriers.
• Audit of customs entries to ensure accuracy.
• Support RFQs, reporting, and transportation analysis for both inbound and outbound freight.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and all applicable federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Maintain accurate transportation documentation, including BOLs, shipping records, and carrier documentation.
• Enforce safety standards and assist with the investigation and resolution of transportation incidents or claims.
• Maintain familiarity with NAFTA and HTS classifications as related to transportation activity.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report transportation KPIs such as on‑time delivery, freight spend, cost per shipment, and carrier performance.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance transportation efficiency, visibility, and scalability.
• Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and data analytics to drive informed decision‑making.

Cross Functional Collaboration & Training

• Partner closely with Customer Service, Safety, Warehouse, Supply Chain, and other internal teams to meet customer delivery requirements and service level agreements.
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders regarding shipment status, risks, and resolutions.
• Support training and education efforts to ensure organizational understanding of transportation policies, procedures, and best practices.

, Schedule, Travel & Work Environment

• This position will be Monday – Friday but must be flexible to support off‑hours or urgent transportation issues as needed.
• Travel will be less than 10% but may be required on occasion based on business needs.
• Work environment will include office and warehouse settings. Exposure to outdoor elements may be experienced on occasion. 
• Physical demands may include long periods of sitting and working on a computer. Must be able to safely lift up to 25 pounds.

Other Duties

• Achieve assigned sales targets and perform additional responsibilities as directed by management.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE & JOB REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is typically required. Someone with significant experience in international trade and transportation will also be considered.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in logistics, transportation, trade compliance, or supply chain management, with proven experience in a managerial role.
• DOT / FMCSA compliance experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of multi‑modal transportation, including LTL, FTL, LCL, and FCL shipping methods.
• Solid understanding of NAFTA / USMCA trade principles and HTS classifications as they relate to transportation and logistics activities.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency in logistics software and tools are essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, with strong skills in Excel, Word, and Outlook for reporting and communication.
• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity, prioritize competing demands, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead initiatives from planning through execution.

SUPERVISORY SKILLS

• This position currently has no direct reports; however, supervisory responsibilities may be added in the future as organizational needs evolve.
• This position will also be responsible for assisting with employee training activities, including onboarding new hires, supporting internal transfers, and providing ongoing skills development as needed.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in English in writing or verbally to co-workers, supervisors, customers, and suppliers in person, email, or via telephone.
• Secondary language (Spanish) preferred, but not required.